COLLEGE TRACK: Jones’ carry Oakland to record-breaking effort at Drake Relays
DES MOINES, Iowa – Lia Jones and Zack Jones both demolished school records, placed among the top five and recorded top 50 times in the East Region for the Oakland University men’s and women’s track and field team at the Drake Relays Thursday night at Drake Stadium.
Lia Jones ran 16:29.34 to place second in the 5000, only 57/100th of a second behind Martina Barinova of Nebraska. She broke her own school record by over 35 seconds. Jones’ time not only is the best time in The Summit League this season by 15 seconds, it is also one of the top 45 times in the East Region and one of the top 65 in the country. The top 48 in each event will qualify for regional.
Zack Jones, her brother, was not to be outdone as he ran 30:01.49 to place fifth in the 10,000. He broke the school record of 30:48.96 set by Pat Cassady in 2010 as well as breaking his previous best by one minute and 14 seconds. Jones’ is third best in The Summit League this year and ranks among the top 50 in the East Region and top 90 in the country.
“Lia and Zack just took my breath away tonight,” said head coach Paul Rice. “For them to record times like these, at such a prestigious meet like the Drake Relays, on their first time here, it is simply unbelievable. It’s like the ending to a movie, except this is real. Both of them made a strong attempt at winning the races. Lia and Zack are great kids and work so hard. Tonight was a reward for their hard work and dedication. It’s a great night to be a Golden Grizzly!”
Category: Colleges / Other, Oakland University, Prep Wraps
